Making Active Connections Link with New Youth Challenges

AISV, Media Release, 23 October 2009

The Association of Independent Schools of Victoria is encouraging Member Schools, students and parents to propose community projects for the Prime Minister’s Australian Youth Forum Challenge that starts next year.

The aim of the competition is to stimulate ideas about how young people can connect with their communities.

Chief Executive, Michelle Green says independent schools in Victoria that have been taking part in the Association of Independent Schools of Victoria’s Making Active Connections program during the last three years have demonstrated their important community service.

The Australian government’s competition will encourage young Australians to propose community projects that meet local needs and link with other organisations and local businesses. Winners will be eligible for up to $15,000 to put their ideas into action.

‘There’s growing evidence that community service encourages more engagement in school, higher academic success, greater self-esteem and ongoing civic engagement, while at the same time making a valuable contribution locally, nationally or internationally,’ says Ms Green.

She says that almost all independent schools in Victoria include opportunities to learn in and with their communities while working for their communities.

‘It is an explicit educational aim because schools know that exposing their students to new experiences raises their social awareness.’

Ms Green paid tribute to parents and teachers who frequently invest time and effort to support students’ community projects.

Making Active Connection projects can be found on the AISV website.

Click here to access information about the Australian Youth Forum Challenge.

 

 

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